Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences
Encyclopedia
The Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences (1816–1838) was a literary and science institution in Washington, D.C.
, founded by Dr. Edward Cutbush (1772–1843), a naval surgeon. Thomas Law had earlier suggested of such a society "at the seat of government." It was the first "learned society
" established in Washington and was organized on June 28, 1816, sixteen years after the city was occupied, and less than two years after the invasion by the British troops. The second article of its constitution states: " The Institute shall consist of mathematical, physical, moral and political sciences, general literature and fine arts."
, Thomas Jefferson
, and John Quincy Adams
, who envisioned the city as a "cultural capital spreading enlightenment to the nation by roads, canals, and rivers."
The true origin of the Columbian Institute began on June 15, 1816, with the formation of an association called the Metropolitan Society. The group, totaling 89 residents of the city of Washington, signed a plan to create a living museum
of sorts containing "specimens of grains, grasses, fruits, dye-stuffs, medicinal plants and minerals." The group was impressed with the importance of collecting and distributing various vegetable productions of not only America, but other countries. They had an idea to apply to Congress for "the appropriation of about 200 acres of ground, called "the Mall
," which was designed in the original plan of the city for a public garden." They also planned to cultivate and plant the seeds and as they multiplied, to distribute them throughout the country and world.
The original subscribers of the Metropolitan Society included Samuel Harrison Smith, John Law, Dr. Alexander McWilliams, Dr. Andrew Hunter and Dr. Edward Cutbush
. The members "framed" a constitution, "the draft of which was submitted and unanimously agreed to on August 8, 1916." At that time, the name was changed to the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences.
twenty months later on April 20, 1818, during the 1st Session of the Fifteenth Congress for a term of twenty years. Edward Cutbush
was the first president of the institution; however, by 1825, John Quincy Adams
held that title.
At the time the society was formed, the population in Washington was a little more than 10,000 citizens and the construction of the public buildings was still in the "initial stage."
The wording of the charter follows:
The first four years, the focus of the institution was "wholly of a utilitarian nature, such as government has from time to time assumed and made the basis of work of several scientific bureaus. Four years later, by 1826; however, an organization was adopted which gave to the institute the latitude of a comprehensive learned society.
Meetings were held in a variety of temporary offices, including a committee room in the capitol building that Congress granted use of on December 20, 1828. Although the membership roster of the Institution included many distinguished citizens and several presidents, they were unable to raise money for the greenhouse and lecture hall required for the garden and museum.
The advice of the Institute was sought and obtained "in the matter of formulating instructions for the scientific work" of the United States Exploring Expedition
that took place from 1828-1842. Advice was also requested in the preparation of a National Pharmacopoeia.
The society also became closely associated, mainly through two of its prominent members, William Lambert and William Elliot, "with the problems of determining the meridian of Washington, of establishing a national astronomical observatory, and of fixing upon a system of weights and measures."
in 1841. By 1918, some of the original collection were readily distinguishable in the United States National Museum, now known as the Smithsonian Institution
.
The Institute obtained its meeting places and accommodations for the museum "mainly through the favor successively of the executive departments, the municipal government and Congress." The museum was first located in Blodgett's Hotel, containing the General Post Office and the Patent Office, followed by the Treasury Department and the City Hall. A permanent home was finally assigned in 1824 in the western addition of the Capitol building, which had recently been completed.
. The land was located between First and Third streets and Pennsylvania and Maryland avenues on the east side of the Capitol building.
"By the end of 1823 the tract of land granted by Congress had been drained and leveled, an elliptical pond with an island at its center constructed, and four graveled walks laid out. Trees and shrubs were planted, and the garden was maintained as well as scanty funds would permit until the institute expired in 1837, one year before the termination of its charter."
On May 26, 1824, the grounds were extended and in 1825, they were enclosed. "There seems to be no record of what improvements or plantings were made by the Columbian Institute. The institute had expended $1,500 on the grounds for walks and plantings and had asked Congress to be reimbursed, but this request was not granted."
The Institute quickly launched an enthusiastic effort to collect plants and seeds. In 1826, a committee was appointed to meet with heads of government departments to help solicit "all subjects of natural history that may be deemed interesting" from foreign representatives. The following year, Secretary of the Treasury, Richard Rush
, was also involved in the solicitation by circulating a letter to foreign dignitaries." In the letter he stated that President John Quincy Adams
was "desirous of causing to be introduced into the United States
all such trees and plants from other countries not heretofore known in the United States, as may give promise, under proper cultivation, of flourishing and becoming useful...."
The publicity was extremely successful. Plants and seeds made their way to the Institute from as far away as China and Brazil. Some came from areas nearby, such as Montgomery County
in Maryland
. In 1824, a List of Plants in the Botanic Garden of the Columbian Institute was prepared by William Elliot. The pamphlet mentioned more than 458 plants growing at that time.
Sixteen years passed and by 1836, no further improvements had been made on the property. "The tract was a stagnant and malarial swamp and Congress was prevailed upon to make an appropriation of $5,000 for improvements." The funds were used to drain the site and erect a fountain.
Financial woes continued to plague the Institute, and there was "never enough money from contributions for proper maintenance of the garden and plant collections." The facility ceased to operate in 1837 when the society stopped holding meetings. However it was re-instituted in 1842 when the Wilkes expedition of the South Seas
brought back a collection of plants.
In 1850, thirteen years after the demise of the Columbian Institute, the garden was reopened as the United States Botanical Garden. The garden had begun as 5 acres (20,234.3 m²) of swamp land and had gradually expanded to 13 acres (52,609.2 m²).
It appears, largely, that a lack of funds prevented the publication of transactions of the institute, "which would have gone far toward perpetuating the name of the society."
"However unfortunate in the realization of its ambitions, the Columbian Institute nevertheless occupied an enviable position among the earlier associations of this country for the breadth and importance of its objects."
The Columbian Institute's charter expired in 1838 and, in 1841, it was absorbed by the National Institute for the Promotion of Science
. The Institute's founders had hoped that this group would become the Washington counterpart to Philadelphia's American Philosophical Society
, but as early as 1826, the institute was dying, and along with it the botanical garden.
It has been discussed that "early efforts provided little ground for optimism" because the federal scientific agencies of the "early republic" did not owe their existence to "any commitment to science as such." William Stanton has observed that, "until the 1840's, Washingtonians had founded a dreary train of institutions." It can be argued, however, that the institution received very little funding from the Federal government and it was in "default of the necessary support."
so that, with his permission, he could "be considered the patron of the Columbian Institute." James Monroe
, who was president at the time, was the only president who ever accepted the title.
It appears about 150 persons qualified for the Institution as residents of Washington, "not over one-half that number were ever in good standing at any time, the proportion being generally smaller and the total number becoming greatly reduced during the final years. The total number elected to corresponding membership was 122 and honorary membership, total of 7. "The resident membership was representative of the best element in Washington, while the corresponding and honorary memberships included some of the best known men in science, literature and the arts, both in this country and abroad."
The honorary members included three presidents who were still alive during the 1820s; John Adams
, Thomas Jefferson
and James Madison
as well as Marquis Lafayette and Baron Cuvier, however, John Quincy Adams
and Andrew Jackson
were both resident members.
The membership of the institute included many prominent men of the day, including well-known representatives of the military, government service, medical, law and other professions. At least 11 of the men held the office of Mayor of Washington:
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
, founded by Dr. Edward Cutbush (1772–1843), a naval surgeon. Thomas Law had earlier suggested of such a society "at the seat of government." It was the first "learned society
Learned society
A learned society is an organization that exists to promote an academic discipline/profession, as well a group of disciplines. Membership may be open to all, may require possession of some qualification, or may be an honor conferred by election, as is the case with the oldest learned societies,...
" established in Washington and was organized on June 28, 1816, sixteen years after the city was occupied, and less than two years after the invasion by the British troops. The second article of its constitution states: " The Institute shall consist of mathematical, physical, moral and political sciences, general literature and fine arts."
History
It is believed that the formation of the Columbian Institute, was a product of the idealism and dreams of the early leaders in Washington, including presidents George WashingtonGeorge Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
, Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom , the third President of the United States and founder of the University of Virginia...
, and John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States . He served as an American diplomat, Senator, and Congressional representative. He was a member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republican, National Republican, and later Anti-Masonic and Whig parties. Adams was the son of former...
, who envisioned the city as a "cultural capital spreading enlightenment to the nation by roads, canals, and rivers."
The true origin of the Columbian Institute began on June 15, 1816, with the formation of an association called the Metropolitan Society. The group, totaling 89 residents of the city of Washington, signed a plan to create a living museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
of sorts containing "specimens of grains, grasses, fruits, dye-stuffs, medicinal plants and minerals." The group was impressed with the importance of collecting and distributing various vegetable productions of not only America, but other countries. They had an idea to apply to Congress for "the appropriation of about 200 acres of ground, called "the Mall
National Mall
The National Mall is an open-area national park in downtown Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. The National Mall is a unit of the National Park Service , and is administered by the National Mall and Memorial Parks unit...
," which was designed in the original plan of the city for a public garden." They also planned to cultivate and plant the seeds and as they multiplied, to distribute them throughout the country and world.
The original subscribers of the Metropolitan Society included Samuel Harrison Smith, John Law, Dr. Alexander McWilliams, Dr. Andrew Hunter and Dr. Edward Cutbush
Edward Cutbush
Edward Cutbush was born in Philadelphia. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1794, where he was resident physician of the Pennsylvania Hospital from 1790 to 1794...
. The members "framed" a constitution, "the draft of which was submitted and unanimously agreed to on August 8, 1916." At that time, the name was changed to the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences.
Chartered
The society was chartered by CongressCongressional charter
A congressional charter is a law passed by the United States Congress that states the mission, authority and activities of a group. Congress issued federal charters from 1791 until 1992 under Title 36 of the United States Code....
twenty months later on April 20, 1818, during the 1st Session of the Fifteenth Congress for a term of twenty years. Edward Cutbush
Edward Cutbush
Edward Cutbush was born in Philadelphia. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1794, where he was resident physician of the Pennsylvania Hospital from 1790 to 1794...
was the first president of the institution; however, by 1825, John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States . He served as an American diplomat, Senator, and Congressional representative. He was a member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republican, National Republican, and later Anti-Masonic and Whig parties. Adams was the son of former...
held that title.
At the time the society was formed, the population in Washington was a little more than 10,000 citizens and the construction of the public buildings was still in the "initial stage."
The wording of the charter follows:
The first four years, the focus of the institution was "wholly of a utilitarian nature, such as government has from time to time assumed and made the basis of work of several scientific bureaus. Four years later, by 1826; however, an organization was adopted which gave to the institute the latitude of a comprehensive learned society.
Scientific Work for the United States
Among all the activities planned, "only a few in any way conspicuously carried out, in default of the necessary support, the most important and material of these being the establishment of a botanic garden and a museum."Meetings were held in a variety of temporary offices, including a committee room in the capitol building that Congress granted use of on December 20, 1828. Although the membership roster of the Institution included many distinguished citizens and several presidents, they were unable to raise money for the greenhouse and lecture hall required for the garden and museum.
The advice of the Institute was sought and obtained "in the matter of formulating instructions for the scientific work" of the United States Exploring Expedition
United States Exploring Expedition
The United States Exploring Expedition was an exploring and surveying expedition of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding lands conducted by the United States from 1838 to 1842. The original appointed commanding officer was Commodore Thomas ap Catesby Jones. The voyage was authorized by Congress in...
that took place from 1828-1842. Advice was also requested in the preparation of a National Pharmacopoeia.
The society also became closely associated, mainly through two of its prominent members, William Lambert and William Elliot, "with the problems of determining the meridian of Washington, of establishing a national astronomical observatory, and of fixing upon a system of weights and measures."
Museum
The museum started with a cabinet of minerals which remained predominant in the collection and soon developed into a small museum containing specimens of zoology, botany, ethnology, archeology, fossils, etc. It was transferred to the National Institute for the Promotion of ScienceNational Institute for the Promotion of Science
The National Institution for the Promotion of Science organization was established in Washington, D.C. in May, 1840, and was heir to the mantle of the earlier Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences...
in 1841. By 1918, some of the original collection were readily distinguishable in the United States National Museum, now known as the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
.
The Institute obtained its meeting places and accommodations for the museum "mainly through the favor successively of the executive departments, the municipal government and Congress." The museum was first located in Blodgett's Hotel, containing the General Post Office and the Patent Office, followed by the Treasury Department and the City Hall. A permanent home was finally assigned in 1824 in the western addition of the Capitol building, which had recently been completed.
Botanic Garden
One of the greatest accomplishments of the society was the creation of a botanic garden in 1821. The tract, which was swamp land, was situated next to the Smithsonian Museum and a mere eighty feet from the steps of the Capitol buildingUnited States Capitol
The United States Capitol is the meeting place of the United States Congress, the legislature of the federal government of the United States. Located in Washington, D.C., it sits atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall...
. The land was located between First and Third streets and Pennsylvania and Maryland avenues on the east side of the Capitol building.
"By the end of 1823 the tract of land granted by Congress had been drained and leveled, an elliptical pond with an island at its center constructed, and four graveled walks laid out. Trees and shrubs were planted, and the garden was maintained as well as scanty funds would permit until the institute expired in 1837, one year before the termination of its charter."
On May 26, 1824, the grounds were extended and in 1825, they were enclosed. "There seems to be no record of what improvements or plantings were made by the Columbian Institute. The institute had expended $1,500 on the grounds for walks and plantings and had asked Congress to be reimbursed, but this request was not granted."
The Institute quickly launched an enthusiastic effort to collect plants and seeds. In 1826, a committee was appointed to meet with heads of government departments to help solicit "all subjects of natural history that may be deemed interesting" from foreign representatives. The following year, Secretary of the Treasury, Richard Rush
Richard Rush
Richard Rush was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the second son of Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and Julia Rush. He entered the College of New Jersey at the age of 14, and graduated in 1797 as the youngest member of his class...
, was also involved in the solicitation by circulating a letter to foreign dignitaries." In the letter he stated that President John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States . He served as an American diplomat, Senator, and Congressional representative. He was a member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republican, National Republican, and later Anti-Masonic and Whig parties. Adams was the son of former...
was "desirous of causing to be introduced into the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
all such trees and plants from other countries not heretofore known in the United States, as may give promise, under proper cultivation, of flourishing and becoming useful...."
The publicity was extremely successful. Plants and seeds made their way to the Institute from as far away as China and Brazil. Some came from areas nearby, such as Montgomery County
Montgomery County, Maryland
Montgomery County is a county in the U.S. state of Maryland, situated just to the north of Washington, D.C., and southwest of the city of Baltimore. It is one of the most affluent counties in the United States, and has the highest percentage of residents over 25 years of age who hold post-graduate...
in Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
. In 1824, a List of Plants in the Botanic Garden of the Columbian Institute was prepared by William Elliot. The pamphlet mentioned more than 458 plants growing at that time.
Sixteen years passed and by 1836, no further improvements had been made on the property. "The tract was a stagnant and malarial swamp and Congress was prevailed upon to make an appropriation of $5,000 for improvements." The funds were used to drain the site and erect a fountain.
Financial woes continued to plague the Institute, and there was "never enough money from contributions for proper maintenance of the garden and plant collections." The facility ceased to operate in 1837 when the society stopped holding meetings. However it was re-instituted in 1842 when the Wilkes expedition of the South Seas
Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean comprises the southernmost waters of the World Ocean, generally taken to be south of 60°S latitude and encircling Antarctica. It is usually regarded as the fourth-largest of the five principal oceanic divisions...
brought back a collection of plants.
In 1850, thirteen years after the demise of the Columbian Institute, the garden was reopened as the United States Botanical Garden. The garden had begun as 5 acres (20,234.3 m²) of swamp land and had gradually expanded to 13 acres (52,609.2 m²).
Institute loses charter
There was only one meeting held in 1837, the minutes indicate no unusual action took place, but it proved to be the last. The Institute "virtually dissolved without formality" the year before the termination of its charter. The records show only 85 communications by 26 people presented during the entire life of the society, "over one-half of which related to astronomy and mathematics."It appears, largely, that a lack of funds prevented the publication of transactions of the institute, "which would have gone far toward perpetuating the name of the society."
"However unfortunate in the realization of its ambitions, the Columbian Institute nevertheless occupied an enviable position among the earlier associations of this country for the breadth and importance of its objects."
The Columbian Institute's charter expired in 1838 and, in 1841, it was absorbed by the National Institute for the Promotion of Science
National Institute for the Promotion of Science
The National Institution for the Promotion of Science organization was established in Washington, D.C. in May, 1840, and was heir to the mantle of the earlier Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences...
. The Institute's founders had hoped that this group would become the Washington counterpart to Philadelphia's American Philosophical Society
American Philosophical Society
The American Philosophical Society, founded in 1743, and located in Philadelphia, Pa., is an eminent scholarly organization of international reputation, that promotes useful knowledge in the sciences and humanities through excellence in scholarly research, professional meetings, publications,...
, but as early as 1826, the institute was dying, and along with it the botanical garden.
It has been discussed that "early efforts provided little ground for optimism" because the federal scientific agencies of the "early republic" did not owe their existence to "any commitment to science as such." William Stanton has observed that, "until the 1840's, Washingtonians had founded a dreary train of institutions." It can be argued, however, that the institution received very little funding from the Federal government and it was in "default of the necessary support."
Members
Under the original constitution of the society written in 1816 only two classes of members were recognized; resident and honorary, however in 1820 a corresponding member was added. Additionally, a position was provided for the President of the United StatesPresident of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
so that, with his permission, he could "be considered the patron of the Columbian Institute." James Monroe
James Monroe
James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States . Monroe was the last president who was a Founding Father of the United States, and the last president from the Virginia dynasty and the Republican Generation...
, who was president at the time, was the only president who ever accepted the title.
It appears about 150 persons qualified for the Institution as residents of Washington, "not over one-half that number were ever in good standing at any time, the proportion being generally smaller and the total number becoming greatly reduced during the final years. The total number elected to corresponding membership was 122 and honorary membership, total of 7. "The resident membership was representative of the best element in Washington, while the corresponding and honorary memberships included some of the best known men in science, literature and the arts, both in this country and abroad."
The honorary members included three presidents who were still alive during the 1820s; John Adams
John Adams
John Adams was an American lawyer, statesman, diplomat and political theorist. A leading champion of independence in 1776, he was the second President of the United States...
, Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom , the third President of the United States and founder of the University of Virginia...
and James Madison
James Madison
James Madison, Jr. was an American statesman and political theorist. He was the fourth President of the United States and is hailed as the “Father of the Constitution” for being the primary author of the United States Constitution and at first an opponent of, and then a key author of the United...
as well as Marquis Lafayette and Baron Cuvier, however, John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States . He served as an American diplomat, Senator, and Congressional representative. He was a member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republican, National Republican, and later Anti-Masonic and Whig parties. Adams was the son of former...
and Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States . Based in frontier Tennessee, Jackson was a politician and army general who defeated the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend , and the British at the Battle of New Orleans...
were both resident members.
The membership of the institute included many prominent men of the day, including well-known representatives of the military, government service, medical, law and other professions. At least 11 of the men held the office of Mayor of Washington:
- John Quincy AdamsJohn Quincy AdamsJohn Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States . He served as an American diplomat, Senator, and Congressional representative. He was a member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republican, National Republican, and later Anti-Masonic and Whig parties. Adams was the son of former...
(1767–1848), Resident member - Sixth president of the United States. - Joseph AndersonJoseph AndersonJoseph Inslee Anderson was an American soldier, judge, and politician, who served as a United States Senator from Tennessee from 1799 to 1815, and later as the first Comptroller of the United States Treasury...
(1757–1837), First ComptrollerComptroller of the TreasuryThe Comptroller of the Treasury was an official of the United States Department of the Treasury from 1789 to 1817. According to section III of the Act of Congress establishing the Treasury Department, it is the comptroller's duty to...
of the United States Treasury. - James BarbourJames BarbourJames Barbour was an American lawyer, amember and speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, the 18th Governor of Virginia, the first Governor to reside in the current Virginia Governor's Mansion, a U.S. Senator from 1814–1825, and the United States Secretary of War from 1825-1828.Barbour was a...
(1775–1842), 18th Governor of Virginia, Served as Secretary of War. - William T. BarryWilliam T. BarryWilliam Taylor Barry was an American statesman and jurist.-History:Born near Lunenburg, Virginia, he moved to Fayette County, Kentucky, in 1796 with his parents John Barry, an American Revolutionary War veteran, and Susannah Barry...
(1784–1835), Kentucky House of Representatives, Served as Postmaster General. - Simon BernardSimon BernardBaron Simon Bernard was a French general of engineers. Born in Dole, Simon Bernard was educated at the École polytechnique, graduating as second in the promotion of 1799 and entered the army in the corps of engineers....
(1779–1839), French General of Engineers, U.S. Army Chief of Engineers. - John M. BerrienJohn M. BerrienJohn Macpherson Berrien of Georgia was a United States Senator and Andrew Jackson's Attorney General.Born at Rocky Hill, New Jersey, to a family of Huguenot ancestry, Berrien moved with his parents to Savannah, Georgia, in 1782; was graduated from Princeton College in 1796; studied law in...
(1781–1856), Georgia Senator, Served as Attorney General. - Rev. Andrew Bigelow , Minister.
- James H. BlakeJames H. BlakeJames Heighe Blake was a physician, and the third mayor of Washington, D.C., elected by the council of aldermen in 1813 and serving until 1817.-Birth:...
MD (1763–1819), Practicing Physician, 3rd mayor of Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
. - John Bomford , Col., Chief of the Ordinance Bureau.
- B. S. Bohrer MD , Physician.
- Phineas Bradley , Assistant Postmaster General, Banker.
- William A. BradleyWilliam A. BradleyWilliam A. Bradley was mayor of Washington, D.C. from 1834 to 1836.Once the Cashier for the Bank of Washington, Bradley was postmaster for the city of Washington in the 1850s until removed by Franklin Pierce in 1853....
(d.1867), Banker, Former mayor of Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
. - Robert BrentRobert BrentRobert Brent was the first mayor of Washington, D.C., the federal capital of the United States of America. Brent was born into a prominent Catholic family in Woodstock, Stafford County, Virginia. His mother was Ann Carroll, whose brother John Carroll was the first Catholic Bishop appointed for the...
(1763–1819), Banker, Judge of Orphans' Court, First mayor of Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
. - William BrentWilliam Leigh BrentWilliam Leigh Brent was a U.S. Representative representing Louisiana's 3rd congressional district. Brent was born at Port Tobacco, Maryland, on 1784 February 20, the nephew of Virginia congressman Richard Brent. He studied law and was admitted to the bar of Maryland and moved to Louisiana about...
(1784–1848), Clerk of the Supreme Court. - J. A. Brereton MD , Physician.
- Rev. Obadiah B. Brown (1779–1852), Minister.
- Charles BulfinchCharles BulfinchCharles Bulfinch was an early American architect, and has been regarded by many as the first native-born American to practice architecture as a profession....
(1763–1844), Architect, designed the U.S. Capitol Building. - Elias B. Caldwell , Clerk of the Supreme Court.
- John C. CalhounJohn C. CalhounJohn Caldwell Calhoun was a leading politician and political theorist from South Carolina during the first half of the 19th century. Calhoun eloquently spoke out on every issue of his day, but often changed positions. Calhoun began his political career as a nationalist, modernizer, and proponent...
(1782–1850), Secretary of War, Seventh vice president of the United States. - Rev. John N. Campbell (1798-1864), Minister.
- Thomas CarberyThomas CarberyThomas Carbery was the sixth mayor of Washington, D.C.serving from 1822-1824. He ran again for mayor in 1824 and 1826 but was not re-elected.-History:...
(1791–1863), 6th mayor of Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
. - Overton Carr , Banker, one of the original land holders in the federal district.
- William T. Carroll , Educator, Professor.
- Daniel CarrollDaniel CarrollDaniel Carroll was a politician and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a prominent member of one of the United States' great colonial Catholic families, whose members included his younger brother Archbishop John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in the United States and...
(1730–1796), Banker from Duddington, politician and one of the Founding FathersFounding Fathers of the United StatesThe Founding Fathers of the United States of America were political leaders and statesmen who participated in the American Revolution by signing the United States Declaration of Independence, taking part in the American Revolutionary War, establishing the United States Constitution, or by some...
of the United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.. - Nathaniel P. Causin (1761–1827), Judge of the Orphans' Court.
- Rev. Ira Chase , Minister.
- Matthew St. Clair ClarkeMatthew St. Clair ClarkeMatthew St. Clair Clarke was an American journalist, book author and politician. He was for seven terms Clerk of the United States House of Representatives.-Life:...
(1790-1852), Clerk of the United States House of RepresentativesClerk of the United States House of RepresentativesThe Clerk of the United States House of Representatives is an officer of the United States House of Representatives, whose primary duty is to act as the chief record-keeper for the House....
. - Henry ClayHenry ClayHenry Clay, Sr. , was a lawyer, politician and skilled orator who represented Kentucky separately in both the Senate and in the House of Representatives...
(1777–1852), Served as Secretary of State from 1825 to 1829. - John Coyle, Jr. , Secretary of the Howard Society.
- William CranchWilliam CranchWilliam Cranch was an American judge and the second reporter of decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States.-Early life:Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, he was a nephew of Abigail Adams...
(1769–1855), Chief Justice of the Circuit Court. - William H. CrawfordWilliam H. CrawfordWilliam Harris Crawford was an American politician and judge during the early 19th century. He served as United States Secretary of War from 1815 to 1816 and United States Secretary of the Treasury from 1816 to 1825, and was a candidate for President of the United States in 1824.-Political...
(1772–1834), Served as Secretary of War and Treasury, Candidate for president in 1824. - Edward CutbushEdward CutbushEdward Cutbush was born in Philadelphia. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1794, where he was resident physician of the Pennsylvania Hospital from 1790 to 1794...
, MD (1772–1843), Naval surgeon and founder of the Columbian Institution and Geneva Medical CollegeGeneva Medical CollegeGeneva Medical College was founded on September 15, 1834, in Geneva, New York, as a separate department of Geneva College, currently known as Hobart and William Smith Colleges. In 1871, the medical school was transferred to Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York...
. - Nathanial Cutting , Civilian, unknown.
- Asbury Dickens , Chief Clerk of the Treasury Department.
- Mahlon DickersonMahlon DickersonMahlon Dickerson was an American judge and politician. He was elected Governor of New Jersey as well as United States Senator from that state. He was twice appointed Secretary of the Navy - under Presidents Andrew Jackson and Martin van Buren...
(1770–1853), Governor of New Jersery, Served as Secretary of the Navy. - William Elliot , Clerk in the Patent Office.
- Jonathan Elliot (historian)Jonathan Elliot (historian)Jonathan Elliot was a 19th-century American historian who produced two influential collections of documents connected with the early American republic...
(1784-1846), Writer, publisher or editor. - Samuel Elliot, Jr. , Vice president of the Washington Botanical Society.
- Philip Richard Fendall (1794–1868), Banker, lawyer and editor.
- Peter ForcePeter ForcePeter Force was a 19th-century politician, newspaper editor, archivist, and historian.Born near the Passaic Falls in New Jersey, to William, a soldier in the Civil War and descendant of French Huguenots who arrived on America's shores in the 17th century, and Sarah Force , Force grew up New Paltz,...
(1790–1868), Publisher, Former mayor of Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
. - Joseph GalesJoseph GalesJoseph Gales, Jr. was an American journalist, born in Eckington, Derbyshire, England. His father, Joseph Gales, Sr. , was a printer in Sheffield, who was compelled to emigrate to America in 1795 because of his republican principles.-History:The son was educated at the University of North Carolina...
Jr. (1786–1860), Journalist, Former mayor of Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
. - George Gibson , General in U.S. Army.
- James S. Gunnell MD , Physician.
- Rev. Ralph Randolph GurleyRalph Randolph GurleyRalph Randolph Gurley was a clergyman, an advocate of the separation of the races and a major force in the American Colonization Society, which offered passage to their colony in west Africa , to free black Americans....
(1797-1872), Minister - Chaplain of the United States House of RepresentativesChaplain of the United States House of RepresentativesThe election of William Linn as Chaplain of the House on May 1, 1789, continued the tradition established by the Continental Congresses of each day's proceedings opening with a prayer by a chaplain. The early Chaplains alternated duties with their Senate counterparts on a weekly basis, covering the...
for the 21st and 22nd Congresses and again for the 30th and 31st - George HadfieldGeorge Hadfield (architect)George Hadfield was born in Livorno, Italy of English parents, who were hotel-keepers. He studied at the Royal Academy, and worked with James Wyatt for six years before emigrating to the United States....
(1763-1826), Architect, worked on the design of the U.S. Capitol building. - Benjamin Hallowell , Educator.
- Col. Archibald HendersonArchibald HendersonArchibald Henderson was the longest-serving Commandant of the Marine Corps, serving from 1820 to 1859. He is often referred to as the "Grand old man of the Marine Corps," serving in the United States Marine Corps for 53 years.-Biography:Born in Colchester, Fairfax County, Virginia to successful...
(1783–1859), Commandant of the Marine CorpsCommandant of the Marine CorpsThe Commandant of the Marine Corps is normally the highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...
, serving from 1820 to 1859, later in Washington Monument Society. - William Hewitt , Register of Washington.
- James HobanJames HobanJames Hoban was an Irish architect, best known for designing The White House in Washington, D.C.-Life:James Hoban was born and raised in a thatched cottage on the Earl of Desart's estate in Cuffesgrange, near Callan in Co. Kilkenny...
(1758–1831), Irish Architect, designed the White House. - Benjamin Homans , Chief Clerk of the Navy Department.
- Rev. Dr. Andrew Hunter , Minister.
- Henry Huntt MD , First Health Officer of Washington.
- Samuel D. InghamSamuel D. InghamSamuel Delucenna Ingham was a U.S. Congressman and U.S. Treasury Secretary under President Andrew Jackson.-Early life and education:...
(1779–1860), Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Served as Secretary of Treasury. - George E. Ironsides , Educator.
- Andrew JacksonAndrew JacksonAndrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States . Based in frontier Tennessee, Jackson was a politician and army general who defeated the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend , and the British at the Battle of New Orleans...
(1767–1845), Resident member - Seventh president of the United States. - Thomas P. JonesThomas P. JonesThomas P. Jones was an English engineer and publisher. Born in Herefordshire, England, he emigrated to America as a youth and became a cofounder , as well as the publisher and editor, of American Mechanics Magazine....
(1774–1848), Superintendent and examiner of the United States Patent and Trademark OfficeUnited States Patent and Trademark OfficeThe United States Patent and Trademark Office is an agency in the United States Department of Commerce that issues patents to inventors and businesses for their inventions, and trademark registration for product and intellectual property identification.The USPTO is based in Alexandria, Virginia,...
. - Walter Jones (congressman) (1745–1815), District Attorney and Major General of the District Miltia.
- Robert King , City of Washington, D.C., Surveyor.
- Samuel L. Knapp , Writer, publisher or editor.
- William Lambert (writer)William Lambert (writer)William Lambert was the Engrosser or Penman of the United States Bill of Rights whose hand-written copy of the Bill of Rights hangs in the US National Archives.William Lambert served as a congressional clerk at the time of the drafting of the Bill of Rights....
, Congressional clerk, engrosser of the Bill of Rights, Clerk of the Pension Office. - Samuel Lane , Col., Commissioner of Public Buildings.
- Benjamin Henry Latrobe (1764-1820), Architect - Designed the United States CapitolUnited States CapitolThe United States Capitol is the meeting place of the United States Congress, the legislature of the federal government of the United States. Located in Washington, D.C., it sits atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall...
. - Rev. James Laurie , Minister, First President of the Washington Botanical Society.
- Edmund Law , unknown.
- John Law , Lawyer, son of Thomas Law.
- Thomas Law (1756–1834), Judge and beneficent Magistrate, district of Bahar, India.
- Benjamin L. Lear , unknown.
- Tobias LearTobias LearTobias Lear is best known as the personal secretary to President George Washington. Lear served Washington from 1784 until the former-President's death in 1799...
(1762–1816), Private Secretary of George Washington. - Richard Bland LeeRichard Bland LeeRichard Bland Lee was a planter, jurist, and politician from Fairfax County, Virginia. He was the son of Henry Lee II of “Leesylvania” and Lucy Grymes , as well as a younger brother of both Maj. Gen...
(1761–1827), Judge of the Orphans' Court. - Robert Little (Reverend)Robert Little (Reverend)Robert Little was a Unitarian minister. He was born in England in 1762. He immigrated to the United States in 1819 because of poor health and religious restrictions in England against all churches except the Church of England. He was the first pastor of First Unitarian Church in Washington, D.C....
(1762–1827), Unitarian minister, Founder and pastor; First Unitarian Church in Washington. - Joseph LovellJoseph LovellDr. Joseph Lovell was the 8th Surgeon General of the United States Army, ,-Family:Lovell was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of James S. and Deborah Lovell...
(1788–1836), Surgeon General U.S. Army. - Alexander Macomb (American general) (1782–1841), General in U.S. Army.
- Frederick May MD , Physician.
- George May MD , Physician.
- Rev. William Matthews , Minister, Founder of St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum.
- John McClelland , Washington Monument Society.
- John McLeanJohn McLeanJohn McLean was an American jurist and politician who served in the United States Congress, as U.S. Postmaster General, and as a justice on the Ohio and U.S...
(1785–1861), Served as Postmaster General, Justice U.S. Supreme Court. - Alexander McWilliams MD , Physician, Surgeon in Navy.
- Joseph Mechlin , unknown.
- Josiah MeigsJosiah MeigsJosiah Meigs was an American academic, journalist and government official.-History:Meigs was the 13th and last child of Jonathan Meigs and Elizabeth Hamlin Meigs. His older brother was Return J. Meigs, Sr., whose son was Return J...
(1757–1822), Surveyor-general of the United States, one of original founders and trustees of Columbian College (now George Washington UniversityGeorge Washington UniversityThe George Washington University is a private, coeducational comprehensive university located in Washington, D.C. in the United States... - Robert Mills (architect)Robert Mills (architect)Robert Mills , most famously known for designing the Washington Monument, is sometimes called the first native born American to become a professional architect, though Charles Bulfinch perhaps has a clearer claim to this honor...
(1781–1855), Architect, designed the Washington Monument. - Thomas Munroe , Postmaster.
- William Nolan , Major U.S. Army, Commissioner of Public Buildings.
- Rev. Isaac Orr , Minister.
- Joel R. Poinsett (1779–1851), Served as Secretary of War.
- William Prout , City Hall Erection Committee.
- Richard Randall MD , Physician.
- Daniel RapineDaniel RapineDaniel Rapine was the second mayor of Washington, D.C., elected by the city council in June 1812 and serving for one year.-History:...
(1768–1826), Publisher, 2nd Mayor of Washington, DC. - Isaac Roberdeau , Surveyor in L'Enfant's Corp.
- John Rodgers (naval officer, War of 1812)John Rodgers (naval officer, War of 1812)John Rodgers was a senior naval officer in the United States Navy who served under six Presidents for nearly four decades during its formative years in the 1790s through the late 1830s, committing the greater bulk of his adult life to his country...
(1772–1838), Commodore U.S. Navy. - Richard RushRichard RushRichard Rush was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the second son of Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and Julia Rush. He entered the College of New Jersey at the age of 14, and graduated in 1797 as the youngest member of his class...
(1780–1859), Attorney General and Secretary of Treasury, Son of Benjamin RushBenjamin RushBenjamin Rush was a Founding Father of the United States. Rush lived in the state of Pennsylvania and was a physician, writer, educator, humanitarian and a Christian Universalist, as well as the founder of Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania....
who signed Declaration of Independence. - Rudolph Schaer , Educator.
- William Winston SeatonWilliam Winston SeatonWilliam Winston Seaton was an American journalist, born in King William County, Va.From 1812 until 1860 he was, with his brother-in-law Joseph Gales, proprietor of the National Intelligencer at Washington, D.C. From 1812 until 1820 the two were the only reporters of congressional proceedings...
(1785–1866), Publisher, Former mayor of Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution.... - Thomas SewallThomas SewallDr. Thomas Sewall was an American doctor, writer and academic. He gained notoriety for being convicted of body snatching, and later went on to become a professor.-Life:...
MD (1786-1845), Physician. - John T. Shaaf MD , Physician.
- Thomas Sims MD , Physician.
- Samuel L. SouthardSamuel L. SouthardSamuel Lewis Southard was a prominent U.S. statesman of the early 19th century, serving as a U.S. Senator, Secretary of the Navy, and the 10th Governor of New Jersey.-History:...
(1787–1842), Served as Secretary of the Navy, 10th Governor of New Jersey. - Rev. Dr. William StaughtonWilliam StaughtonWilliam Staughton was a Baptist clergyman, educator, and music composer. He was also a Chaplain of the United States Senate and the first President of Columbian College from 1821-1827, which is the original name and oldest division of The George Washington University.Staughton was born on...
(1770–1829), Chaplain of the United States SenateChaplain of the United States SenateThe Chaplain of the United States Senate opens each session of the United States Senate with a prayer, and provides and coordinates religious programs and pastoral care support for Senators, their staffs, and their families. The Chaplain is appointed by a majority vote of the members of the Senate...
, Minister, First President of Columbian College. - John Stretch , Director of the Washington Library Company.
- Col. William Tatham , Possessor of important scientific library.
- Pishey Thompson , Writer, publisher or editor.
- William ThorntonWilliam ThorntonDr. William Thornton was a British-American physician, inventor, painter and architect who designed the United States Capitol, an authentic polymath...
MD (1759–1828), Commissioner of Patents, Physician, Architect - designed the U.S. Capitol. - Thomas TingeyThomas TingeyThomas Tingey was a Commodore of the United States Navy.-History:Tingey was born in London on 11 September 1750. As a youth, he served in the British Navy commanding a blockhouse at Chateaux Bay on the Labrador coast. He later commanded merchant vessels in the West Indies before coming to the...
(1750–1829), Commodore U.S. Navy, Washington Naval Yard. - Nathan Towson (1784–1854), U.S. Army, Major-General, Paymaster General.
- John M. Thomas MD , Physician.
- Buckner Thurston (1764–1845), U.S. Federal Judge.
- Thomas L. Thurston , Librarian of the Department of State.
- John Underwood , Civilian, unknown.
- John Peter Van NessJohn Peter Van NessJohn Peter Van Ness was a United States Representative from New York. Born in Ghent, New York to an old Dutch family. He completed preparatory studies at Washington Seminary and attended Columbia College in New York City...
(1770–1846), Banker, General of the District Miltia, Former mayor of Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
. - Richard WallachRichard WallachRichard Wallach was an American politician who served as the first Republican Mayor of Washington, D.C.-History:...
(1816–1881), Former mayor of Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
(first Republican). - Bailey Washington MD , American Naval Officer.
- Tobias Watkins MD , Physician.
- George WatterstonGeorge WatterstonGeorge Watterston was the third Librarian of the United States Congress from 1815 to 1829.-Biography:Watterston, the son of a builder from Jedburgh, Scotland, was born on board a ship in New York Harbor. When Watterston was eight, his family moved to Washington D.C., his father attracted by the...
(1783-1854), Writer, Librarian of the Library of CongressLibrary of CongressThe Library of Congress is the research library of the United States Congress, de facto national library of the United States, and the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. Located in three buildings in Washington, D.C., it is the largest library in the world by shelf space and...
, a member of the city councils and trustee of the public schools. - Roger C. WeightmanRoger C. WeightmanRoger Chew Weightman was an American politician, civic leader, and printer. He was the mayor of Washington, D.C. from 1824 to 1827....
(1787–1876), Former mayor of Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
. - Charles WilkesCharles WilkesCharles Wilkes was an American naval officer and explorer. He led the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 and commanded the ship in the Trent Affair during the American Civil War...
(1798–1877), American Naval Officer and Explorer. - Timothy Winn , One of the incorporators of the Navy Yard Bridge Company.
- William Wirt (Attorney General)William Wirt (Attorney General)William Wirt was an American author and statesman who is credited with turning the position of United States Attorney General into one of influence.-History:...
(1772–1834), Author, Served as Attorney General. - Nicholas Worthington MD , Physician.